Christmas Day dinner in Phoenix area.
Hello. I will be visiting Phoenix/ Scottsdale area for Christmas. We are looking for a restaurant to enjoy Christmas Day dinner. Mid price range would be great!
We love seafood and buffets. If you have a suggestion please share your ideas. Thank you in advance!
Christmas Day in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area can be a bit tricky since many restaurants close for the holiday, but there are several options that offer festive meals, seafood, and buffets within a mid-price range.
For seafood lovers, many resorts and hotel restaurants feature special holiday menus, often including buffets. Reservations are strongly recommended as these spots fill up quickly.
- The Phoenician Resort – J&G Steakhouse or Café J: They typically offer a Christmas Day buffet or prix-fixe menu that includes seafood, carving stations, and holiday sides. Atmosphere is elegant but approachable.
- Arizona Biltmore – Wright’s at the Biltmore: Known for a seasonal buffet with seafood options, prime rib, and traditional Christmas fare. It’s a classic Arizona experience with a festive feel.
- Sanctuary on Camelback – Elements Restaurant: Offers a special holiday menu featuring fresh seafood, seasonal dishes, and a relaxed upscale ambiance.
- Olive & Ivy or Mastro’s in Scottsdale: These downtown/Old Town Scottsdale spots often have holiday prix-fixe menus with seafood selections. Mastro’s leans more upscale, Olive & Ivy is more casual mid-range.
- Local Buffets or Hotel Holiday Brunches: Many resorts such as Hyatt Regency Scottsdale, Scottsdale Plaza Resort, and JW Marriott Camelback host Christmas brunches or dinners with seafood stations and carving options suitable for families.
Tips:
- Book reservations as soon as possible; Christmas Day dining spots fill very quickly.
- Check whether menus are buffet or prix-fixe; some have limited seating or set times.
- Consider arriving early or mid-afternoon to avoid peak dining hours.
Overall, if you prioritize seafood and a festive buffet experience, resorts like The Phoenician, Arizona Biltmore, and JW Marriott Camelback are excellent choices. For a slightly more casual yet still festive setting, Olive & Ivy or Elements Restaurant provide a good balance of quality, price, and ambiance.
More Arizona (AZ) Travel Questions
- Best itinerary for a week long trip to Arizona
- Where to play in the sand between Phoenix and Page?
- Feedback on these luxury resorts (Marriott Bonvoy)
- Best 66 towns to sleep - Arizona
- Passenger Pick Up at Terminal 4 Arrivals PHX Sky Harbor
- Route from Tucson to Carmel Avoiding Los Angeles?
- Route 66 Seligman to Oatman - direction matters?
- June Itinerary Help
- Help with 5 day Phoenix to Sedona Itinerary in December
- Best ruins and petroglyphs in Phoenix area
- Traveling as a family of 9
- 4 Days After Vegas
The attractions mentioned in this question
Popular Destinations
Popular Travel Questions
- 1 Day Visit in June - Logistical Help
- Beaches between Oxnard and Santa Monica
- Seasonal Bridge over Redwood Creek on Dipsea Trail
- Recent Trips to Kaktovik for Polar Bears?
- Car hire November
- Navajo Code Talkers Museum closed?!?!
- Mount Siguniang or Yading
- shuttle
- Nightlife
- Yulin attractions without much walking
- Hiking in the Tehachapi/Stallion Springs area
- Does taking 2 tours make sense?